Plug-In Solar in Idaho — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 612 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Britt Raybould
Legislative Status: HB 612 died in the House State Affairs Committee when the Idaho legislative session ended on April 2, 2026. The bill never received a committee hearing. A new bill will need to be introduced in the 2027 Idaho legislative session.
Current Status: Dead — Died in Committee (Session Ended April 2, 2026)
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 11.3¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $145/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 3¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.8 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PUC interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without Idaho Power or Rocky Mountain Power approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Idaho utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Idaho offers a personal income tax deduction for residential alternative energy systems (up to $5,000/year, $20,000 lifetime). Net metering available through Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Idaho Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction — DSIRE — Personal income tax deduction up to $5,000/year ($20,000 lifetime) for residential solar installations.
- DSIRE — Idaho Solar Incentives — Full list of Idaho state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,964,726 |
| Total Households | 717,067 |
| Owner-Occupied | 512,476 |
| Renter-Occupied | 204,591 |
| Single-Family Homes | 512,476 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 50,076 |
| Median Household Income | $70,214 |
| Median Home Value | $396,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.3 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 40° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1200 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May-August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Power | ~554400 customers | Yes |
| Avista Utilities | ~145000 customers | Yes |
| Kootenai Electric Cooperative | ~31535 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Why Western states are pushing for plug-in solar — High Country News (March 2026)